Chamber and committees

Thank you for that. I want to ask another small question, though I am mindful of the time and the fact that there are still two colleagues I need to bring in.

In your written evidence, Naeema, you say with regard to the Law Society’s dual role:

“there is a risk of conflict and bias, as a result of the real possibility of injustices being done, both for the professional and the public.”

Can you give an example of what that risk would look like?

Thank you. That concludes consideration of the regulations.

If it is a very small question with a very brief answer.

Thank you for that. I call Annie Wells.

I will just come in on the back of that. Professor Mayson, you have views on the experience of independent regulation in England and Wales, so I am just going to take a bit of time to give you an opportunity to go into that a wee bit further. How have the issues of cost of a new regulator and independence of the legal profession been dealt with in England and Wales?

That is excellent. You have pushed your colleague forward. Brian, will you have a crack at answering Karen Adam’s question?

In an earlier answer you referred to the consequences of the referral of the bill to the Supreme Court. Apologies for taking you back a little bit, but I wanted to ensure that you had every opportunity to put any other consequences on the record.

We have talked about coverage and the delay, but we also heard last week from young people who understand somewhat the delay in getting it right. They have waited this long, so they are generally supportive. Are there frustrations that you would like to share with us just now? How have those frustrations been mitigated with regard to the amendments?

We move to questions from my colleague Meghan Gallacher.

Speak through the chair, please. Sorry—I am bringing order to this. I will allow you to continue, professor.

Agenda item 3 is our second evidence session on the Regulation of Legal Services (Scotland) Bill. I welcome to the meeting Brian Inkster, chief executive officer of Inksters Solicitors; Chris Kenny, former chief executive of the Legal Services Board of England and Wales and currently CEO of the Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland; Professor Stephen Mayson from University College London; and Naeema Yaqoob Sajid, solicitor and director of Diversity+. Welcome to you all.

I refer members to papers 2 and 3. I note that the Delegated Powers and Law Reform Committee is taking evidence on the bill this morning from the Minister for Victims and Community Safety.

I invite each of the witnesses to make some brief opening remarks should they wish to do so, starting with Brian Inkster.